
22 lakh children benefitting daily from CM's breakfast scheme: Udhayanidhi Stalin
Speaking at a function to mark the Self-Help Group (SHG) day on Wednesday, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin listed out several measures being undertaken by the DMK government for the welfare of women. He also referred to the 'Pudhumai Penn' programme which was aimed at aiding girl students not only in their school, but also in their higher education.
During the past four years, the government has facilitated loans to the tune of Rs. 1.05 lakh crore to women SHGs, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin said. On the occasion of the Self-Help Groups Day, the Deputy Chief Minister presented the Manimekalai award to Vijayalakshmi. He also recalled that the award was instituted during former CM M. Karunanidhi's regime. Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, Chennai Mayor R. Priya and senior officials were also present.
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Hans India
25 minutes ago
- Hans India
Interest-free loans for SHGs in TG from July 12
Hyderabad: In keeping with its avowed quest to ring in economic empowerment of women, the State government will distribute interest-free loans to women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in all Assembly constituencies from July 12 to 18. It proposes to distribute Rs 20,000 crore interest-free loans to the identified women groups this year. As a further facilitation, the government will provide bank linkage, loan and accident insurance to SHGs. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka pointed out on Saturday that the government was already supporting women groups economically by commissioning them works like running canteens, repair works in schools and orders for stitching school uniforms. To ensure that the economic gains reach SHGs, the government intends to purchase the products made by them. This translates to a guaranteed market for their investments. The minister was speaking at the 'Indira Mahila Shakti' celebrations, where he also distributed RTC rental cheques to women groups. Urging them to make full use of the encouragement and women-friendly facilities provided by the government and bolster Brand Telangana, Bhatti took potshots at the BRS regime for neglecting interest-free loans and incentives to SHGs in its 10 years in office. The deputy Chief minister said that in a welcome contrast, the Congress government has revived interest-free loans and is encouraging women groups to be engaged in special businesses. Cheques for interest-free loans have been distributed to women groups twice earlier in Hyderabad, he said. He expressed happiness that the government had enabled women groups to purchase buses and lease them to TGSRTC. In the first phase, ₹one crore was handed over to them as rent payments. In the coming days, larger earnings from RTC would be shared with those groups, he added. In line with this goal to turn one crore women into millionaires in the first year itself, interest-free loans worth ₹21,000 crore were disbursed to women's groups. Not less than ₹20,000 crore will be extended as interest-free loans to women groups every year, he averred.


Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
DJB can now sanction high-cost projects without Cabinet nod
A move that could significantly remove administrative hurdles previously faced by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Delhi government on Saturday granted financial autonomy to the civic agency, enabling it to independently approve high-cost projects, including ones exceeding Rs 50 crore. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who called it a 'historic step' towards ensuring faster implementation of critical schemes related to Yamuna rejuvenation, drain management, and drinking water supply. 'Our government is committed to delivering result-oriented governance, not entangling people in paperwork,' Gupta was quoted as saying by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Saturday. 'In a historic move, the Delhi government has, for the first time, empowered the Jal Board with real authority to take decisions and complete projects. The institution is no longer symbolic – it has now become truly autonomous and capable. The Board will no longer need to wait for Cabinet approval for projects worth crores of rupees,' stated the CMO in an X post on Saturday. 'This decision to enhance the financial powers of the Delhi Jal Board is not just an administrative reform — it is a revolutionary step towards making governance faster, more accountable, and results-driven. It will strengthen decision-making at every level, reduce delays, and make the system more transparent and responsible. This is a strong beginning in implementing Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' on the ground in Delhi,' it added. According to the revised provisions, the DJB chairperson can now approve projects up to Rs 50 crore, while the chief executive officer can sanction proposals up to Rs 25 crore. Senior DJB officials handling administration, water supply, or drainage can clear projects worth up to Rs 5 crore. Also, other senior officials have been granted enhanced financial authority under the new system. The CMO noted that these changes aim to eliminate the long-drawn-out approval process that had previously delayed crucial infrastructure work. Gupta alleged that the earlier government had curtailed DJB's financial independence, leading to stagnation in Yamuna clean-up efforts, modernisation of drainage systems, and timely execution of drinking water supply projects. She said that the DJB had effectively been stripped of its powers, rendering it non-functional in critical areas. 'The Delhi Jal Board has now truly been made a 'Board' again,' Gupta said, adding that the restored powers would allow it to function with the autonomy and accountability expected of such an institution. 'This decision reflects the power of political will and shows that when the intent is clear, large-scale, people-centric reforms can be implemented swiftly and effectively.' The CM further said that the new framework would reduce the scope for corruption and decisions would be taken in a 'more transparent and accountable' manner. 'Solutions will now move quickly and projects will be implemented on the ground – not just announced,' Gupta said. The new system is expected to help fast-track the installation of sewage treatment plants, desilting infrastructure, pipelines, booster stations, and water supply mechanisms across the city. Sources said the DJB previously faced multiple issues, including having to float low-cost tenders to escape financial bottlenecks that arise with expensive projects. In 2024, the Finance department had also directed that all DJB projects must be geo-tagged before funds could be released – a step aimed at promoting transparency and real-time monitoring.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Streetlight woes continue in Kochi city
Kochi: Despite claims that the LED streetlight project in Kochi is nearing completion, several parts of the city continue to remain in darkness, with both new and old streetlights lying dysfunctional for months. While the Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) is implementing the project, the lack of timely repairs and poor inter-agency coordination have left many residents frustrated. The Rs 40-crore LED project aims to replace all existing streetlights within the corporation limits with energy-efficient LED lamps to improve illumination and reduce electricity bills. Initially scheduled for completion in Dec 2023, the deadline was extended to Dec 2024. CSML now claims that the major implementation work will be completed by the end of July 2025. However, on the ground, lighting failures persist across multiple areas—both where new lights were installed and where old ones remain unreplaced. According to residents and councillors, maintenance has been poor, and repairs often take months. CSML blames the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) for not cooperating, particularly when it comes to power connections and maintenance support. "I've been raising the issue of defunct streetlights on the Ponnurunni overbridge for over a year and a half," said RTI activist TN Prathapan. "Despite notifying the corporation, CSML, and even the LSG minister, the area remains unlit. A fatal accident involving a father and son happened here, and poor lighting was a factor." Councillors have raised similar concerns with the corporation and CSML. "In many areas like Manappattipparambu Road, Girinagar, Fort Kochi, Eravely, Karippalam, Mattancherry, Moolamkuzhy, Edakochi and Palluruthy, streetlights are not functioning. CSML keeps citing lack of KSEB support," said Antony Kureethra, opposition leader in Kochi Corporation. UDF parliamentary party secretary MG Aristotle pointed out that the project was expected to slash electricity bills. "Earlier, before switching over to LED lights, the monthly bill was Rs 1.5 crore. In April 2025, it was Rs 1.24 crore and in May and June, Rs 1.33 crore and Rs 1.29 crore, respectively. The goal was a 40% reduction," he said. Public figure CICC Jayachandran added that lights in even key areas like MG Road and SA Road have not been functioning. "After I raised the issue, the mayor intervened and got some lights repaired on SA Road," he said. CSML officials said they will focus on repairs next month. "As of now, our aim is to complete the project. We've procured 1,500 smart meters, of which 850 are installed. Once fully operational, they will help streamline maintenance and reduce electricity costs," an official said.